Houzz is a design-inspiration platform: millions of homeowners browse photos, save ideas, and find renovation professionals whose portfolios prove their taste. Handvetted verifies license, background and a 4.5+ star rating, then introduces one match. Choose Houzz when the look of the finished work is the decision. Choose Handvetted when trust is the decision.
- Houzz is portfolio-first: design photos then pros.
- Pros pay subscriptions from $65/month, not per lead.
- Handvetted verifies first and introduces one match, free.
- Houzz fits design projects; Handvetted fits trust-first jobs.
Houzz vs Handvetted: how they actually work
| Dimension | Houzz | Handvetted |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Renovation and design projects chosen by portfolio | Homeowners who want one verified professional |
| Cost to homeowners | Free to browse and contact pros | Free. Always |
| Cost to professionals | Flat-rate subscription plans, not pay-per-lead | No per-call pricing |
| Screening | Self-reported profiles plus reviews | Licensed, background-checked, 4.5+ star verified rating |
| What proves a pro | Photos of finished projects | License, background check, verified rating |
| Strongest trades | Remodeling, interiors, design-build | Roofing, HVAC, restoration, renovation, insurance-adjacent work |
Houzz is where a renovation starts. Handvetted is where a project gets a professional you can trust to finish it.
Where Houzz is strong
- The portfolio is the pitch. For kitchens, baths and full remodels, photos of real finished work tell you more than any claim.
- Flat-rate for pros. Subscription plans from about $65 a month mean a professional is not recovering a per-lead fee in your estimate.
- Inspiration to hiring in one place. You can go from a saved photo to a professional who builds that style.
- Scale. Tens of millions of homeowners use it, so coverage in metro areas is broad.
Where Handvetted differs
- Verification is the product. Current license, a background check on every owner-operator and a verified 4.5+ star rating come before a professional joins. Not everyone makes it in.
- More than remodels. Roofing, storm damage, water and fire restoration, HVAC, insurance and mortgage help — jobs where portfolios matter less than licensing and response time.
- One introduction. No inbox full of professionals to sort. One match, briefed on your project.
- Free rematch. If the first match is not right, we match you with a different verified professional at no cost.
Which one for which job
- Kitchen or bath remodel, design-led: start on Houzz. Pick three professionals whose portfolios match your taste.
- Roof replacement, storm or water damage, furnace replacement: start with matching. These jobs turn on license, insurance and speed, not aesthetics.
- Big renovation, budget-conscious: use Houzz for the design, then verify license and insurance yourself before signing — or let a matching service hand you one verified professional.
What to watch for on either platform
- Confirm the license through your state board.
- Ask for proof of insurance and lien waivers on renovation work.
- Get scope, materials and payment schedule in writing.
- On Houzz, contact professionals directly; on Handvetted, the introduction is made for you.
The decision, plainly
Choose Houzz if you are designing a renovation and want to choose by portfolio. Choose Handvetted if you want one licensed, background-checked professional matched to your project — whether it is a remodel or a leaking roof. Both are free for homeowners.
FAQ
Is Houzz free for homeowners?
Yes. Browsing photos and contacting professionals is free. The costs sit with the professionals, who pay flat monthly subscription plans starting around $65 a month rather than per-lead fees.
Does Houzz check licenses?
Houzz profiles and reviews are largely self-reported. Portfolio quality is visible, but licensing and insurance are yours to verify with your state board before signing.
Is Handvetted free?
Free for homeowners, always. The verified professionals in the network fund the service, and your request is never shared with multiple businesses.
How is Handvetted different from Houzz?
Houzz helps you choose by portfolio and design taste. Handvetted verifies license, background and a 4.5+ star rating first, then introduces one match already briefed on your project, across roofing, HVAC, restoration and renovation.
Can I use both?
Yes. Find the design direction on Houzz, then get matched with one verified professional to execute it. The match is free, and a rematch is free too.
Which platform is better for a roof replacement?
Roofing is a licensing and insurance decision more than a design one, so matching fits better. Use either way: verify the license and get the scope in writing.
One last thing
On any platform, the strongest signal is a professional who walks the project before pricing it. A bid from the driveway is a guess; a bid after a walkthrough is a plan.
Planning a renovation? Get matched with one verified home renovation professional — free for homeowners, always.